La Tonya Ruff, an African American woman hailing from St. Louis, has achieved a remarkable feat by reuniting a family of five siblings after a relentless seven-year pursuit to adopt or become their legal guardian.
Ruff’s journey began in 2012 when she first formed a connection with the children while babysitting them. Her fondness for caring for children led her to open a daycare. However, she was unaware when the children entered foster care, missing crucial moments in their lives.
The elder siblings, Tiana, Trevione, and Ashton appeared on a television program in search of a permanent living arrangement. Upon learning of this, Ruff sprang into action.
“It took me seven years to get this family back together, getting them back one by one,” Ruff shared with KSDK.
Over time, Ruff successfully adopted the younger siblings, Dayton and Ky’La, even being present at their births. Meanwhile, the older siblings opted to retain their parents’ names on legal documents as a tribute to their late father.
In 2022, Ruff attained guardianship of Tiana. Recently, she also gained guardianship of the two older boys, Ashton and Trevione, marking the culmination of her years-long endeavor to reunite the siblings.
The court’s ruling ensures that the siblings can now grow up together under one roof, providing them with the stability and unity they deserve. Ruff’s unwavering dedication has not only brought joy to the siblings but also serves as a testament to the power of love and perseverance in reuniting families.
“I gave them their forever home, and I wouldn’t have it anything other way,” Ruff said. “It isn’t an easy job, and I knew it wouldn’t be, but the purpose behind it all makes it even more worth it. We are family.
SOURCE: blacknews.com